Job Title: Psychology Graduate - Aspiring Clinical Psychologist Hackney: Psychology Graduate Hackney – Aspiring Psychologist – September 2026 Start!

Student Support Mentor – SEMH & Vulnerable Learners (Secondary School)
Start Date: September 2026

Are you a Psychology Graduate in Hackney looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting young people with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs in a secondary school setting?
Are you interested in understanding behaviour, emotional regulation, attendance issues, and the wider social factors that impact learning?

Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Psychology, Criminology, and Social Science graduates to work in a Hackney secondary school, supporting the most vulnerable pupils to raise attainment, improve attendance, and re-engage with education.

Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Hackney – Education and Training - Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Hackney

The Role: Student Support Mentor – Psychology Graduate (SEMH Focus)

Location: Hackney
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm (term time only)
Start Date: September 2026
Future Opportunities: Additional roles available
Interviews & Trial Days: To be confirmed

This role focuses on supporting students at risk of underachievement, persistent absence, or exclusion, many of whom present with:

• Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs (SEMH) – including anxiety, depression, attachment disorders, and behavioural difficulties

• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• Anxiety, low mood, anger, or emotionally driven behaviour

• Challenging or disruptive behaviour linked to unmet SEMH needs

• SEN or undiagnosed additional needs

• Significant barriers to attendance, engagement, and learning

• Difficulty regulating emotions, forming positive relationships, or accessing the curriculum

You will work closely with pastoral teams, SEN staff, and teaching staff to help students regulate emotions, rebuild trust, and access learning in a consistent and supportive way. This role is ideal for those looking to understand the complexities of SEMH and how it impacts every aspect of a young person's school experience.

Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Hackney – Education and Training - Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Hackney

– Your Experience Will Include:

• 1:1 and small-group mentoring for vulnerable pupils with SEMH needs

• Supporting emotional regulation, self-control, and positive behaviour through tailored interventions

• Working with students with SEMH needs and behavioural challenges in and out of the classroom

• Mentoring pupils to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement

• Implementing personalised behaviour and SEMH support strategies

• Using trauma-informed, restorative, and relational approaches to de-escalate crisis situations

• Supporting classroom learning where appropriate, adapting to emotional and mental health needs

• Building trusting, consistent relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners

• Gaining hands-on exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care

• Observing and contributing to SEMH assessments and intervention plans

• Helping students develop coping strategies, self-awareness, and emotional literacy

Psychology Graduate Hackney – Aspiring Psychologist – SEMH Focus

Why This Role Is Valuable Experience

You will develop:

• A strong, practical understanding of adolescent behaviour and SEMH

• Insight into the link between trauma, behaviour, attendance, and attainment

• Practical experience supporting complex emotional and behavioural needs

• Skills in mentoring, motivation, de-escalation, and relationship-based practice

• An understanding of how SEMH affects learning, social development, and long-term outcomes

• Confidence in using SEMH-specific strategies and interventions

Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Hackney – Education and Training - Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Hackney

Why Join Milk Education?

Training & CPD

• Free CPD including SEMH, Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour & De-escalation, Safeguarding, and Mental Health Awareness

• Career-focused development aligned with psychology and mental health pathways

Wellbeing & Support

• Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling)

• A dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals

Benefits for You

• Competitive daily pay

• Fast-track registration and compliance

• Flexible working opportunities

• 5-star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews

• Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses)

• FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials

• 24/7 consultant support

• Work with the UK's only eco-friendly education supply agency

• Nationwide network of schools and trusts

Who We're Looking For:

• Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or Social Science graduates

• Aspiring Clinical Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Mental Health Practitioners, Youth Justice or Youth Workers

• Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals

• Graduates passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs

• Those motivated to improve attendance, attainment, and wellbeing

• Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners

• Individuals with a genuine interest in understanding the root causes of behaviour and emotional dysregulation

• Those who want to make a tangible difference to young people's mental health and life chances

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.

Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Hackney – Education and Training - Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Hackney